What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are those superficial veins that have become
enlarged and lost their ability to effectively carry blood back to the heart.
Normal veins in the legs transport blood with the help of one-way valves. When
these valves stop working properly, blood flows back down the leg (venous
reflux) and the vein bulges to the skin’s surface.
What causes varicose veins?
Heredity is the number one contributing factor that causes
varicose and spider veins. Other causes include leg injury, pregnancy, estrogen
medications, hormones, prolonged standing or sitting and a sedentary
lifestyle.
Why do I need to treat my varicose veins?
Venous disease is a chronic and progressive condition. It
only gets worse with time. Left untreated, varicose veins can cause pain,
swelling, inflammation (phlebitis), skin discoloration and ulcers, spontaneous
hemorrhage (bleeding) and blood clots. Vein treatment causes abnormal veins to
disappear and symptoms to improve. It prevents more extensive venous disease
from developing and helps to keep serious complications from occurring.
Why do I need an Ultrasound?
Venous disorders are not always visible to the naked eye
since most veins lie deep to the skin’s surface. In order to treat veins
properly we need to identify the exact location of the venous reflux. A Venous
Duplex Scan is an advanced ultrasound imaging test in which we “map” your veins
and pinpoint the damaged valves. This important test is painless, non-invasive
and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.
Conservative Therapy
Prescription strength compression stockings are the most
conservative way to treat varicose veins. They may help lessen the symptoms
caused by varicose veins, but do not treat the underlying problem. Most
insurance companies require a trial period of compression stockings before
approving the coverage of vein treatment.
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